So, if you're going - or even if you're not - sit back and enjoy the atmosphere, with the help of our live blog, bringing you the must-see highlights, transport information and reaction from carnival-goers.

Email pete.bryant@trinitymirror.com with your pictures, videos or comments, or tweet us at @getwestlondon.

Key Events

Highlights of day one in pictures

That’s it for our live blog of the first day of this year’s Notting Hill Carnival. Although the weather wasn’t pretty at times, it only served to make the sights and sounds all the more exhilarating by contrast! That’s the way I’m looking at it anyway.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 28: Young performers take part in the Notting Hill Carnival on August 28, 2016 in London, England. The Notting Hill Carnival, which has taken place annually since 1964, is expected to attract over a million people. The two-day event, started by members of the Afro-Caribbean community, sees costumed performers take to the streets in a parade and dozens of sound systems set up around the Notting Hill streets. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images)

It really is a great way to spend a bank holiday Monday, so we’ll see you back here in the morning for another day of fun and games.

The music continues

A reminder that the carnival continues into the evening later, with Rampage - the largest static sound system at the carnival - expected to attract 15,000 people to dance the night away.The Rampage stage, located just off All Saints Road, will have performances on both Sunday and Monday nights.

Rampage team will be running a music stage at Notting Hill Carnival 2016

Why your face is being scanned

Pictures of today's parade

Here are a few photos of some of today’s highlights, including a dazzling parade that would not be defeated by today’s grey weather.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 28: A performer takes part in the Notting Hill Carnival on August 28, 2016 in London, England. The Notting Hill Carnival has taken place every year since 1966 in Notting Hill in north-west London and is one of the largest street festivals in Europe with more than a million people expected over two days. (Photo by Ben A. Pruchnie/Getty Images)

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 28: A young girl joins in the celebrations during the first day of the Notting Hill Carnival on August 28, 2016 in London, England. The Notting Hill Carnival has taken place every year since 1966 in Notting Hill in north-west London and is one of the largest street festivals in Europe with more than a million people expected over two days. (Photo by Ben A. Pruchnie/Getty Images)

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 28: Performers take part in the Notting Hill Carnival on August 28, 2016 in London, England. The Notting Hill Carnival, which has taken place annually since 1964, is expected to attract over a million people. The two-day event, started by members of the Afro-Caribbean community, sees costumed performers take to the streets in a parade and dozens of sound systems set up around the Notting Hill streets. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images)

15:29

Would you rather...

Revisiting the theme of divided opinions on the carnival, we’ve pulled together some of the funniest things you’ve been saying you’d rather do on Twitter than go to Notting Hill today.

Be warned, we’ve removed the bad language, but number nine is a bit tasty.

Getty image with tweets about what people would rather do than go to Notting Hill Carnival

Haters gon' hate

Having never lived somewhere where a massive festival is right outside my home - my closest experience is the Pershore Plum Festival (also on this weekend!) - I’m finding it fascinating how much Notting Hill Carnival divides opinion.

It's raining again

Supermarkets get into the spirit

If spicy chicken isn’t your thing, you can still pop into a shop for a meal deal or something at the carnival. Tesco has decided to decorate six of its stores along the carnival route specially for this weekend, with balloons, bunting and T-shorts for staff.

One business not getting into the spirit, however, is Gourmet Burger Kitchen, which seems to have closed its Notting Hill restaurant for the day.

12:56KEY EVENT

Watch amazing African drumming

Neha has been enjoying this African drumming performance from a local group. They even got this youngster involved in the show - and he’s got some moves!

The group, African Drumming School - regulars at the carnival - offer lessons at Finsbury Park Arts Club every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday if you’re feeling inspired.

12:53Pete Bryant

Carnival has you covered this lunchtime

All that dancing got you feeling peckish? There’s loads of food to try at the carnival today, with stalls selling famous Jamaican jerk chicken probably one of the most common, but delicious, sights.

As you can see, there is also corn on the cob on offer being cooked in steel drums, and plenty more to do.

Notting Hill Carnival 2016. Street food

Notting Hill Carnival 2016. Street food

12:33Pete Bryant

Parade 'kicks things off'

Look at that picture from Andrew McCorkell! Actual blue sky!

12:20Pete Bryant

Weather improving

It’s as if all that music and dancing has lifted the spirits of the weather too as the sky begins to brighten overhead!

Is that a hint of blue I see in the sky in this picture from Neha Gohil? Who knows, we might even see some sunshine this afternoon!

Sky begins to brighten over parade at Notting Hill Carnival 2016

12:14KEY EVENT

Parade begins!

It has started folks! Here’s a video showing the performers aren’t letting a bit of drizzle put them off.

Large police presence

Our reporter Neha says there is a large number of police officers along the parade route this morning.

11:48KEY EVENT

Parade delayed by rain

This wet weather is really not what the doctor ordered.

Reporter Neha Gohil is among those lining the streets ready for the parade, but says it appears this has been delayed from its original start time of around 10am due to the rain.

Visitors line the parade route waiting for it to start at a wet Notting Hill Carnival 2016

11:39Pete Bryant

Messy

We’ve got pictures from this morning’s mini party at dawn, which were colourful to say the least. Just after sunrise, carnival-goers threw paint, oil and chocolate at each other in the ‘j’ouvert’ celebration.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 28: A reveller starts the day's celebrations as Notting Hill Carnival begins on August 28, 2016 in London, England. The Notting Hill Carnival has taken place every year since 1966 in Notting Hill in north-west London and is one of the largest street festivals in Europe with more than a million people expected over two days. (Photo by Ben A. Pruchnie/Getty Images)

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 28: Revellers start the day's celebrations as Notting Hill Carnival begins on August 28, 2016 in London, England. The Notting Hill Carnival has taken place every year since 1966 in Notting Hill in north-west London and is one of the largest street festivals in Europe with more than a million people expected over two days. (Photo by Ben A. Pruchnie/Getty Images)

We’ll be bringing you images from the parade shortly.

11:29Pete Bryant

Safety first

There has been a lot of talk about safety ahead of this years carnival, as security remains generally heightened following recent appalling terror attacks around the world, and the Met Police continue efforts to tackle London’s knife crime problem.

It's carnival time!

Good morning west Londoners! And welcome to guests from all over the country who are in town for Notting Hill Carnival!

It’s one of the biggest dates of the year and we’ll be keeping you abreast of the day’s activities and bringing you the colour of the carnival, along with advice on travel and highlights of the day, whether you’re here or not.

Let’s begin...

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 28: Revellers start the day's celebrations as Notting Hill Carnival begins on August 28, 2016 in London, England. The Notting Hill Carnival has taken place every year since 1966 in Notting Hill in north-west London and is one of the largest street festivals in Europe with more than a million people expected over two days. (Photo by Ben A. Pruchnie/Getty Images)